“Our country is earning significant foreign exchange through the export of palm products to international markets. We are taking steps to streamline the export process in the future, making it more accessible and efficient. This will enable producers themselves to earn greater profits, reducing reliance on middlemen, and ultimately improving their livelihoods,” stated the Honorable Governor of the Northern Province, Mr. N. Vethanayahan.
The Governor of the Northern Province, Mr. N. Vethanayahan, inaugurated the exhibition titled “Palm in Our Livelihood”, jointly organized by the Northern Province Cooperative Development Department and the Northern Province Palm Coconut Resource Development Cooperative Societies. The event took place on Tuesday morning, 22 July 2025, at Sangilyan Park in Nallur Muththiraichanthi, as part of the Northern Province Palm Rising Week celebrations. Following the inauguration, the Governor visited each of the exhibition halls to observe the displays and interact with participants..
In his address as the chief guest, the Governor stated that Milkwhite Kanagaraja was a visionary leader who dedicated his life to the widespread cultivation of palm trees. He tirelessly planted palm seeds across the region, driven by the belief that no country should be without palm trees. It is in recognition of his remarkable contributions that Palm Week begins each year on his memorial day.
The Governor further stated that a variety of products are being manufactured using palm oil resources from both the province and the district. The livelihoods of those who depend on this sector must be uplifted, and it is essential that they receive fair prices for their products.
He noted that palm oil and coconut resource development cooperatives are performing commendably, whereas multi-purpose cooperatives have not shown similar progress. Despite receiving various forms of support in the past, many multi-purpose cooperatives have failed to utilize the assistance effectively. In contrast, the palm oil and coconut cooperatives have demonstrated strong performance. The Governor emphasized that cooperatives showing such promising results could be considered for increased financial allocations in the coming years.
The event was graced by several distinguished guests, including Hon. Municipal Council Member Kabilan participated as a representative of Hon. Member of Parliament Ilankumaran., Chief Secretary of the Northern Province Mrs. Thanuja Murugesan, Secretary to the Northern Province Ministry of Women’s Affairs Mr. M. Nanthagopalan, and Commissioner of Cooperative Development for the Northern Province Mr. N. Thirulinganathan.
